Macedonia Lifts Lid on Ex-Officials' Lavish Tastes

Restaurant bills and invoices that some Macedonian ministries provided to BIRN since the change of government in May show that some former ministers and top officials spared nothing when it came to buying food and drinks at taxpayers' expense.

Goulash made from deer, squid in tomato sauce, shrimps in almond sauce, octopus in olive oil, roasted pork, stewed game, crunchy duck and expensive wines were just some of the fine dining orders made by the former Government Secretary General Kiril Bozinovski during 2016, bills show.

Although the data do not show how many people sampled these delicacies along with Bozinovski, he emerged as the record holder, judging by the total amount, over 6,000 euros, that he spent on "representation" services last year.

Most of this was charged through Bozinovski's official card, issued by the government and intended for "representational" purposes. One part was also paid by invoices.

Using the Access to Public Information Law, BIRN was also able to obtain the bills showing the bills run up by other officials.

The former Deputy Information Society and Administration Minister, Timco Mucunski, during his time in office from April to December 2016, spent some 2,500 euros ordering anything from beefsteak to lamb, salmon, fish, whiskey, wine, beer and cigarettes at state expense.

Some of the restaurant bills that Mucunski ran up amounted to 200 euros. Most of them were made during normal working hours but some were made during the night hours.

By comparison, the average monthly salary in Macedonia is just over 300 euros. However, official statistics show most Macedonians earn less than that.

The former State Secretary in the same ministry, Jahi Jahia, spent over 3,000...